Ruth Ann Saeman

MADISON-Ruth Ann Saeman, 82, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2013, the beloved wife of the late Derek Kersley; dear sister-in-law of Veronica (Ronny) Saeman; the loving aunt of Paul Saeman (Mary Wallace), Marian (John) Bleeke, Anne Saeman, Bobby Saeman, Richard (Peg) Saeman, Rita Librera and Ray (Barb) Saeman; cousin, great-aunt and friend to many. She was born on July 16, 1931, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, to Francis and Catherine (Karch) Saeman. She was preceded…in death by her three older brothers, Jerome, Robert and Francis Saeman and two sisters-in-law, Anita Saeman and Josephine Saeman.

Ruth attended the University of Wisconsin and received both a bachelor’s degree in English and a PhD in education. She taught reading and English in Madison and Elroy and then moved to Truro, Nova Scotia, where she was on the faculty of the Nova Scotia Teachers College from 1970 to 1991.

A favorite hobby of Ruth’s was knitting; she would usually have her latest project with her, and she provided sweaters, scarves and mittens for all her family and friends in just the right colors. She gave generously of her time, combining her love of knitting with her work as a volunteer at a palliative care program to provide knitted or crocheted lap robes for patients. She also helped tutor inmates at a women’s correctional facility.Most of all, Ruth loved stories, books, words and jokes. She had a story or joke for most every occasion and passed on her love of books to her extended family.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of All Saints Memory Care in Madison for the loving care they have provided.

A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2013 with Father Thomas Kelley presiding. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Contributions can be made to the Colchester Regional Hospital Palliative Care Program (Truro), 600 Abernaki Road, Truro, Nova Scotia B2N5A1 or All Saints Assisted Living and Memory Care, 8210 Highview Drive,(Madison, WI 53719.